Ekiti State Government has embarked on a proactive measure to prevent potential cases of building collapses by initiating integrity tests for aging structures in the local government areas.
Local Government Chairmen have been directed to collaborate with Town Planning Area Officers to identify and report on dilapidated buildings within their respective council areas to the State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The directive was issued by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Rt Hon Oladapo Karounwi, during his visit to the site of a collapsed building on Odo Uri Street in Igede Ekiti. Chairmen were further instructed to promptly evacuate the occupants of any identified dilapidated buildings in their council areas.
Commissioner Karounwi emphasized that, following evacuation, the identified buildings must be demolished by the end of December. Owners will be allowed to retain ownership of the land, but should the demolition not occur by January, either by the owners or the local governments, the Ministry will take action to demolish them, and the government will assume control of the land.
Rt. Hon Karounwi reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and safety of the people. He expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
The Commissioner highlighted the current administration’s dedication to providing a conducive environment for its citizens, emphasizing the government’s continuous efforts to improve the well-being of the people.
In response, Mr. Babatola Ogundana, Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun, assured that efforts were underway to demolish dilapidated buildings across the Local Government Areas to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future.
Mr. Sunday Akinyele, representing the Akinyele family, owners of the collapsed building, appealed to the State Government and well-meaning Nigerians for assistance in rebuilding the house.
Source: Ekiti State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development
